Replacing block core plug in situ

[Iain]

Core plug is leaking on my XE (on the front, second in from the right).

There's a bit of room behind the exhaust manifold but hardly any room to swing a hammer due to the thickness of the manifold and radiator placement.

Manifold/rad off job or is there an easier way?

[Mieran]

Some sealant will do ;)

[kevster]

i would remove the objects out the way mate , best to be safe than sorry

[Andy]

Even if you can get it out,you wont get it back in without swinging a hammer at it so get stripping boy lol

[Iain]

Damnit it's only just come together lol

[Iain]

Worth doing all four on the front while I'm there? Or is that asking for more leaks?

[Andy]

I wouldnt,on a stand yeah,but not fitted

[Damo]

Am going against the others and gonna say replace them all if there do able save you the hassle if another decides to leak use a bit of sealant on them when refitting too helps them seal.

[Iain]

Hmm decisions, might do them all at least they'll look nice lol

What sealant is recommended? Any high temp 'instant gasket' type stuff?

[Damo]

Hmm decisions, might do them all at least they'll look nice lol

What sealant is recommended? Any high temp 'instant gasket' type stuff?

Yes mate loctite or similar probabily same stuff used to do the porous head mod.;)

[Andy]

I used the blue instant gasket stuff

[Iain]

Cool, read a few references to 'blue hylomar' so will grab some of that, a new core plug and see what I can do.

[nova_saloon]

right, just take the manifold off if your worried, but when i rebuilt my engine i never changed mine. because you shouldnt replaces ones that have never leaked as there settled in, so leave the other three. but i found one leaking so i used redweld. worked a treat never leaked since

[Andy]

Radweld is fukkin diabolical stuff.Honestly,it clogs radiators and matrixes up real bad.Ive used £15 worth of flush doing my escort van because some numpty put loads of it in.Emergency get me home,fair enough,but only hobo's use it to "repair" leaks

[Iain]

Removed rad and dropped exhaust manifold off for access and it's out, Vauxhall are getting me one in and I have some Hylomar blue to seal the new one in with.

Cheers all

[C612DNM]

I find that Loctite 5920 is superior (and more expensive), but when you work on Chevy V8's, you learn the requirement for a good RTV to keep the oil and water in!!